Slipknot’s Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan to Direct ‘Officer Downe’ Feature Film

Slipknot's commanding stage presence borders on the theatrical, so it's no surprise that percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan has signed on to direct 'Officer Downe.' The project is based on a graphic novel created by Joe Casey and artist Chris Burnham of the same name.

The narrative centers on the titular Los Angeles police officer who is frequently killed in action, but thanks to modern technology he's resurrected by his bosses to contine his crime fighting. Expect the picture to have a frantic, action driven tone, as the project is being produced by 'Crank' and 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance' co-director Mark Neveldine. Slipknot manager Cory Brennan will executive produce the project.

As for Casey, he's a highly respected writer in the comic book industry, having done stints with the 'Superman,' 'X-Men,' 'Captain America' and 'Wildstorm' franchises. Instead of resting on his laurels and relying on Marvel and DC to hire him out, Casey formed his own imprint, Man of Action, which is housed under the Image Comics banner. Titles released under Man of Action include 'Sex,' 'The Bounce,' and the Eisner Award nominated 'Godland.'

Crahan has cut his filmmaking teeth directing music videos for his band and for such groups as Hollywood Undead and metalcore rockers Motionless in White. His video for the Motionless in White song 'America' was released early June. The director is also working on a documentary about eating disorders, and with a Slipknot album not planned until late next year, expect Crahan to devote much of his remaining free time behind the camera.

For those interested in learning more about the film, watch Crahan discuss the movie in the trailer above.